演讲 (yǎn jiǎng) is a noun meaning 'speech' — a formal, prepared talk delivered to an audience, often for informative, persuasive, or ceremonial purposes. The character 演 (yǎn) conveys performance or enactment, while 讲 (jiǎng) means 'to speak' or 'to explain'. Together, they emphasize not just speaking, but delivering words with intention, clarity, and presence — like performing spoken content. It’s commonly used in academic, professional, and public settings, such as university lectures, conference presentations, or graduation ceremonies.

Unlike casual conversation (说话) or informal talk (聊天), 演讲 implies structure, preparation, and an audience. It can be short or long, but always carries a sense of purpose and formality. You’ll often see it paired with verbs like 做 (to give), 发表 (to deliver), or 听 (to listen to). It’s also the standard term in education and media when referring to public speaking as a skill or event.